Explore elegant antique galleries, back street dealers & stately home collections.  Enjoy Ireland's finest interiors, finest food & finest accommodation.

Sunday 14th November
Arrive Dublin.  Straight into the melee with a visit to Clontarf Castle where there is an antiques fair.  On to the Four Seasons Hotel.  The tour manager who will be on call to answer any questions and help with arrangements.  A gentle day is suggested, strolling in the park, wandering around the city, or enjoying some of  the spa treatments at the hotel.  Early supper in a private Georgian house in Ballsbridge with a talk on what to look for and look out for in the world of Irish antiques.

Monday 15th November
After breakfast  you'll visit the highlights of Dublin, visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle & Trinity College with The Book of Kells.  Lunch in an elegant 18th town mansion on North Great George's street, the home of  Dublin socialite & china restorer Desiree Shortt.  After lunch you'll have a chance to explore Francis Street. Since the 18th Century, Francis Street has been synonymous with the finest furniture and skilled craftsmanship. Now with its array of antiques, curios, contemporary art, handcrafted stationery, objets d'art, artisan foods, antique jewellery, beautiful Irish silver and wealth of other collectible pieces, Francis Street is the perfect place to treat yourself to something special or pick up an original gift. On Clanbrassil Street there is a scattering of smaller, junkier antique shops, where, armed with copious amounts of time and alertness, you might just manage to unearth that oil-lamp you've always wanted. A final visit for the day will be to Kenyon's of Ormond Quay.  One of the longest established antique dealers in Dublin and representing a family who have been antique dealers since the reign of Charles II, Kenyon is a great authority on Irish mahogany furniture.  Dine at leisure in the hotel or one of the nearby restaurants.

Tuesday 16th November
Lovers of finer jewellery and silverware will enjoy your visits this morning: South Anne Street is home to several silver merchants, as well as an antique prints dealer and an antique bookshop. In Molesworth Street you'll visit the studios of old master picture restorer James Gorry. You'll have lunch at The National Museum with the curator and see their decorative arts collection.  After lunch you'll visit the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre where you'll find plentiful riches and end the day with John Farrington's elegant silver & jewellery shop. Dine at leisure in the hotel or one of the nearby restaurants.

Wednesday 17th November
You'll start the day with a visit to The Georgian House on  Merrion Square, a restored middle class house of the late 18th century completely restored to about 1790. On to The National Gallery. The collection that represents all major schools of European art. The Shaw Room, dedicated to early benefactor George Bernard Shaw, is an elegant statement in its own right. Painters represented include Titian, Francisco de Goya and Nicolas Poussin. Thomas Gainsborough and J. M. W. Turner are here as well, and there are strong collections of leading Irish artists such as Nathanial Hone, Jack B. Yeats and Roderic O'Conor.  The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. Dine at leisure in the hotel or one of the nearby restaurants.

Thursday 18th November
Architectural antiques & Country furniture - a visit to expert dealers in these fascinating fields.  We will visit two very fine country house collections - Malahide Castle & Newbridge House. Farewell dinner with traditional entertainment at the Abbey Tavern in Howth.

Friday 19th November
Depart

€1955 per person (based on 8 participants)
€925 Single supplement 
 
Included: 
* 5 nights accommodation & breakfast
* All transport within Ireland
* A private lunch on 2 days
* Porterage for 2 pieces of luggage per person
* Dinner on 2 nights, one night with cabaret.
* All admissions and talks by experts
* A professional guide / tour manager throughout the 6 days

Info@irishluxury.com